Tuesday, 11/6/06 HOLD PACKAGES

Hi everyone. Sorry that we have not updated sooner, but all is just fine. I actually spent about 5 hours yesterday opening all of your wonderful packages. We need to put a hold on any that have not been sent yet, as the Marines here in Bethesda have filled their shelves over with all your wonderful things. They actually do not have any more room for additional things at this time, so please keep anything that has not been sent yet for a later date when we get a new address for Josh after his move OR when we can get a address of another facility that can place all of the items. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Josh is doing very well. The current plans are to get him moved to Walter Reed by the weekend, but as usual, plans can change. He went down in his wheel chair to physical therapy today, went down to get an Xray of his jaw bones & visited two of his fellow Marines in their rooms. He is such an inspiration. So many of the doctors & nurses stop to see how he is doing and are amazed at how positive & strong he is. We are thrilled.

General Peter Pace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited the hospital today. He was unable to make it to Josh's room, but dad met him and received the military coin for Josh & we have taken pictures of the two of them together. It was very neat. Tomorrow, 3 major Marine Corp people will be here to celebrate the Marine Corp Birthday with a cake cutting ceremony. They have asked that Josh attend, which he agreed to. I will be sure to take pictures.

Josh has his epidural turned off which is going well so far. He hopes to get the first of his mouth bands off tomorrow so he can eat again. He actually has perfected the art of eating mashed potatoes with a straw. Spooning, not sucking. Just have to aim to get it between the bands on his teeth. He's doing better and better each day.

Thank you again for everything. I'm trying to write all of the things down to be sure we get Thank You notes to everyone, although I may miss something, so be sure to email me if you need confirmation of any deliveries.

Have a wonderful evening. Hug your families.

Julie